E-scooter comeback, new design for TimeLine Theatre + more news

Plan proposed to make e-scooter pilot program permanent: "Electric scooters in Chicago would shift from pilot to permanent—with 'sidewalk detection' technology to prevent them from endangering and inconveniencing pedestrians—under a two-year plan proposed by an influential alderman. Weeks after a barrage of aldermanic complaints about scooters, Transportation Committee Chairman Howard Brookins (21st) introduced an ordinance that would pave the way for scooters to become a permanent part of Chicago's transportation system. It would authorize the Chicago Department of Transportation to issue up to three licenses to scooter-sharing concessionaires, with each company free to deploy 2,500 “lock-to” scooters per day, from 5 a.m. to midnight." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Chicago drivers pursue class-action lawsuit against '75-year monopoly' of Chicago parking meter deal: "Three Chicago drivers are suing Chicago Parking Meters, alleging the private company’s exclusive contract to operate street parking represents a '75-year monopoly' granted by the city. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Chicago federal court, seeks class-action status on behalf of drivers who have fed the ubiquitous ParkChicago machines lining city streets, alleging the 75-year agreement has led to higher parking rates, too many meters and restrictions on alternative transportation such as bicycles and ride-sharing." (Chicago Tribune)

TimeLine plans renovation of Uptown warehouse at 5033 N. Broadway into a new theater complex designed by HGA Architects: "TimeLineTheatre Company is moving forward with its relocation from Lakeview to Uptown, where it plans to overhaul a warehouse into a modern theater and arts center. ... The designs include a theater, gallery area, bar and cafe, plus offices and classroom space. The company bought the Uptown building in late 2018, seeking a bigger space than the 99-seat theater at its longtime home at 615 W. Wellington Ave. Now it needs a zoning change from the city to put its plans into motion." (Block Club Chicago)

Metra ridership hits a post-COVID high: "Commuters are heading back to the office, and tourists are trickling back into the Chicagoland area. As of Tuesday, Metra had more than 56,637 passenger trips, a post-COVID high but still well below the weekday average of 287,593 passenger trips in June 2019. 'At the start of this year, we were at about 20,000 passenger trips per day. We hit 40,000 by the end of May,' said Metra spokesperson Michael Gillis. Masks are still required on trains, and $10 all-day passes will be extended through Sept. 30. The pass was introduced in June 2020 and is currently used by about a third of Metra riders." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Obama Center-related road work in and around Jackson Park set to begin on August 13: "Temporary traffic changes are coming to the area surrounding the planned Obama Presidential Center site this summer, as the city prepares a drastic overhaul of the area's road layout ahead of the center's construction. Crews plan to narrow Cornell Drive through Jackson Park from six lanes to four and close the block of South Midway Plaisance in the park, an Obama Foundation official said at Tuesday's 5th Ward meeting." (Block Club Chicago)

New sports, arts, and entertainment venue opening next to Fleet Fields at Lincoln Yards: "Movie screenings are set to take place at a new community programming space located at Ada Street and Concord Place called 'Meanwhile' at Lincoln Yards, which includes three basketball courts, a mobile retail zone of rotating vendors and the open-air 'Harmony Zone,' where the movies will be shown. In addition to Movies on the Lawn, you can also catch other outdoor programming and events in the space throughout the summer, including musical performances and art installations from Urban Gateways, a local nonprofit for young people in the arts." (Time Out Chicago)

After years of NIMBY opposition, the Dickens Greenway is finally approved: "After more than two years of relentless Not In My Back Yard-style pushback to the Dickens Avenue Neighborhood Greenway proposal, Lincoln Park alderman Michele Smith has finally signed off on the project. ... The plan – installing  a contraflow bike lane to legalize eastbound cycling, and lowering the speed limit to 20 mph, plus building sidewalk extensions, speed humps, and raised crosswalks – involved minimal inconvenience to drivers (no traffic diverters) and would make walking safer and easier." (Streetsblog Chicago)

The Chicago Bears' threat to move to the suburbs is as much a real estate story as anything else: "The Chicago Bears organization dropped a bombshell on the residents of the greater Chicagoland area by announcing that the team's leadership has put in a bid on the Arlington International Racecourse in suburban Arlington Heights. ... Making threats to relocate the team to a different city is nothing new in professional sports, and one could even say, just another tool in the toolbox that team owners use (similarly to large corporations) to use their might to get their way. But in the case of the Bears, it could be different." (REJournals)

International College of Surgeons finally scores contract to sell Lake Shore Drive mansion: Nearly six years after putting up for sale one of its two historical Lake Shore Drive mansions, the International College of Surgeons may have finally sewn up a deal. The sale would be at far below half the group's original $17 million asking price for the century-old mansion. With the asking price reduced to $5.75 million, the listing agent issued a call for final offers by June 14. ... It's not known whether the prospective buyer plans to use the four-story, 12,000-square-foot home as a single dwelling, divide it into condominiums or put a commercial use such as foundation offices in it. (Crain's Chicago Business)